Our Trainers
CLAIRE LLEWELYN
Claire is BSH II and has a background in eventing and pure dressage but has always been especially interested in the benefits of polework for both horses and riders. Several years ago Claire developed EQUIGYM which is using poles in lots of different layouts to challenge horses and riders.
“I change layouts and exercises constantly so always ask a different question to keep everyone thinking.
“I also use lateral work and poles as well.
Claire was asked to showcase EQUIGYM at Your Horse in 2019 including using Guinea pig demonstrations to show different exercises over 3 days to over 1000 people. Claire loves working with all kinds of different people and horses and loves meeting everyone.
JUSTINE HARE
Justine is an approachable and experienced BHS Accredited Professional Coach, Pony Club Accredited Coach, UKCC Level 2 Coach and BD Dressage Judge.Covering Rutland, Leicestershire and SW Lincolnshire, Justine coaches all ages and abilities, providing a personalised and structured approach to help every rider achieve their equine goals.Specialising in flatwork and polework, but covering gridwork, show jumping and cross country as well - Justine offers coaching and clinics either at your yard or a hired venue.
“My coaching philosophy is to create a supportive and enjoyable environment that enables the development of the horse, the rider and their partnership.
“For riders, development focuses on increasing knowledge, technical skills and feel. Horse development concentrates on improving the way of going. I believe building confidence and self-belief in both horse and rider is essential as this enables progress and achievement both within and between sessions.
“Using this approach allows goals to become achievable – I love seeing partnerships achieve their goals!"
As a BHS Accredited Professional Coach, I am insured, DBS checked, have Safeguarding and First Aid”
JO HOLMES-COLE
BHSII (BHS Senior Coach), Accredited professional 2021, Equestrian Business Awards runner up Coach of the year, DBS Checked, Safeguarding
Having grown up in the Cottesmore Pony Club and going to PC champs at Weston Park my passion for horses was never going to go away. I was lucky enough to train with the very formidable and amazing Janet Sturrock FBHS for 7 years, 4 years being her head girl. I had great access to eventing , BHTA as it was in those days and British Dressage and as much as I enjoyed the competition and my successes my passion was always with coaching.
I have had some super horses and many successful results in dressage and eventing including the Winergy dressage champion at Elementary and Medium level.
I have been head coach for the Burghley Pony Club and the Cottesmore Pony club and have travelled to Spain and Italy and the Isle of Man to coach privately for several years.
“I love coaching people of all ages and abilities and am passionate about correct training and building a balance of harmony and confidence between horse and rider. I have trained some of the great riders of today including the current World Champion.”
“In 2021 I was one of the final four candidates up for selection for Coach of the year. Out of a huge number of nominees I was so proud to of finished as a finalist.”
You can now see me at most BE and BD events coaching my clients and cheering them on. I am completely invested and committed to my clients and love sharing their journey.
NATALIE
I am a local, International dressage rider and trainee dressage judge. I regularly train with British Dressage European team gold medalist Gareth Hughes and have done for the last 25 years. Gareth has taught me how to produce horses for dressage in a clear, kind way that focuses on creating a happy, supple athlete and I love teaching and the opportunity to pass that knowledge on. I have produced several, very different, horses now from 4 yrs old to successful small tour horses and two of them to Grand Prix (currently competing at Inter II).
I began my equestrian career as an event rider and I have been a working pupil for 2 British Olympic event riders, but it became apparent that dressage was where my heart (and strengths) lay. I also ran a training/competition yard for 10 years in Hertfordshire with my husband who is an Olympic event rider and team coach for the Japanese team.
”I love teaching all levels and my clients range from beginners to International small tour level dressage riders and also event riders of all levels up to 4*”
I have competed successfully from 4 year old classes to small tour classes at Premier Leagues and National Championships